2011 Difference Makers

Beckett Schiaparelli (Mason): Beckett is 10 years old and for the last two years he has been providing birthday party essentials and a gift to kids in second and third grade at Western Row Elementary School who participate in the Backpack Program, which distributes food in backpacks to children so they have something healthy to eat on the weekends. His program is called Beckett’s Birthday Backpack Program.

Josh Cares: An organization dedicated to ensuring that no seriously ill child goes through a hospitalization without the critical support of a familiar face who cares for them when family members cannot be there. They fund professionally trained Child Life Fellows who provide consistent comfort, care and companionship for hospitalized children. Fellows also serve as links between the family and child to nourish their relationship despite their physical separation.

Marquicia Jones (West End): Founder of Q-Kidz Dance-Drill team more than 25 years ago which gives more than 100 girls living in West End public housing the opportunity for creative, artistic and powerful self-expression through dance and drill. Continuing to grow and move forward, Marquicia is currently working with Q-Kidz on musical performances that will create powerful conversations around bullying and acceptance of those from different family and economic backgrounds.

Mike Holmes (Anderson): Assistant basketball coach and role model for the Cincy Swish basketball program, he teaches not only basketball drills but also leadership and life lessons to the young players on the team. In addition to his volunteer work with Cincy Swish, Mike also volunteers with the American Red Cross, the Yellow Ribbon Center, and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati. Mike is also a senior in the Starfire U program, which provides young people with disabilities the opportunity for continued social and personal development after high school.

Etta Hoeh (Covedale): Etta has volunteered in many roles at Ronald McDonald House for more than 15 years, including serving Christmas Eve dinner to the residents with her family. Etta is also a faithful supporter of Everybody Counts, and each year, on their behalf, she speaks with hundreds of students at local schools to foster greater understanding of children with different abilities and illnesses. She and her family have raised more than $600,000 to help families whose children have life threatening illnesses.

Aaron Davis (Mt. Healthy): Coach and former member of the West End Wildcats football team is now a branch manager for PNC bank. He arrives to football practice in his business suit to show his team of boys, ages 5 to 12, a positive black male role model and encourages kids to want more out of life. At practice, he makes time to talk about “life” - he answers tough questions and he asks them, too. He gives as many hugs as he does high fives. Through his dedication and support, Aaron has led the Wildcats through championships and graduations